C&C Group shuffles up board following recent acquisition

Manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded cider, beer, wine and soft drinks C&C Group announced a series of changes to its board of directors on Thursday.

The London-listed firm said that, having overseen the smooth transition to a new chairman, Richard Holroyd - the senior non-executive and a director since 2004 - had informed the board of his wish to step down and leave the board in the new year.

Geoffrey Hemphill, a non-executive director since 2017, had also informed of his intention to stand down from the board to concentrate on other business interests.

On his appointment as chairman, Stewart Gilliland undertook a review of the composition of the board to ensure that it had the right balance of skills and experience - particularly in light of the strategically important acquisition of Matthew Clark and Bibendum.

“The conclusion of this review was that the international division would no longer be represented at the group board, and the composition of the board would be best comprised of a chairman, three executives - being the CEO, CFO and COO - and a reduced number of non-executive directors,” the board said in its statement.

As a result, Joris Brams as an executive director would also stand down from the board.

Jim Clerkin, Vincent Crowley and Emer Finnan, all non-executive directors, would remain in their roles, with a search for new non-executive directors with the appropriate skills and experience having commenced.

“We are very grateful to Richard, Geoffrey and Joris for the individual contribution each of them has made to the group’s long-term development,” the board added.